"We did lack punch in the final third we can all see that. There are a few irons in the fire." Coventry City's Tony Mowbray

22 July 2015

Matt Joyce

The Sky Blues boss was pleased with the test Portsmouth posed, George Thomas' performance and is also hopeful of concluding some deals for forward players...

Coventry City boss Tony Mowbray believes there was a lot of positives for the Sky Blues to take from their pre-season defeat to Portsmouth yesterday – but also confirmed the side “lacked punch” in the final third.

George Thomas’ incredible lob was not enough to save City from a 2-1 defeat at Havant and Waterloovile, after two first-half goals condemned Mowbray’s men to defeat.

The manager is keen to work on those positives and is also confident of improving the striking options before the opening day against Wigan, saying that the club have a few irons in the fire regarding transfers for forward players.

Mowbray said: “It was OK really. We've talked a lot about last season and the positive and negatives from set plays so we’re disappointed to lose a goal from a set play four minutes in! We started sloppily yet were much brighter in the second-half and dominated.

“It was fine, it was pre-season but while we are disappointed to lose there are lots of positives. We controlled the game and there was an amazing goal from George Thomas.

“It was as good a test as we’re going to get, away from home to a team with big ambitions. We’re all aware of where we need to improve before the season starts, we did lack punch and we know we’re lacking in the forward areas. Things continue to move and there are a few things in motion. We will be a much stronger side.”

Despite the yearning for forward players, Mowbray was pleased with the performance of Thomas last night, who led the line on his own and of course, scored his magnificent chip.

The 18-year old has impressed the manager in pre-season and he hopes that the young striker can build on his impressive display.

“George’s goal was almost nonchalant,” Mowbray added.

“It was an amazing bit of skill, he trapped a ball travelling 60-yards and almost flicked it into the net in one movement. We’ve all been impressed with George, he has huge work-rate and desire to run for the team.

“If he continues in this vein he has a future. But we’re not going to burden him at a young age and we will get reinforcements in that area.

“There’s lots happening with managers thinking about whether it’s time to let players go and we’re confident that we’ll be strengthened out soon.”